novel Baltasar and Blimunda (Memorial do Convento), written by the Portuguese Nobel laureate José Saramago. The main character, Baltasar, born in Mafra, works on the construction of the palace. Saramago makes a detailed description of the building process, including the transport of a giant stone from the quarry to the building site (which Baltasar assists with), depicting it as a torture for those who helped build the palace. See also Other Portuguese royal residences: Sintra National Palace Ajuda National Palace Belém Palace Palace of Necessidades Pena National Palace Queluz National Palace List of Baroque residences Royal and Venerable Confraternity of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Mafra List of carillons References Turner, J. – Grove Dictionary of Art – Oxford University Press, USA; New Ed (January 2, 1996); Rentes de Carvalho J. – Portugal, um guia para amigos (in Dutch translation : Portugal); De Arbeiderspers, Amsterdam; 9th ed. August 1999; The Rough Guide to Portugal – 11th ed. March 2005; The National Palace of Mafra, an English guide; IPPAR, July 2005 (on sale in the palace) Notes External links Palácio Nacional de Mafra Houses completed in 1755 Religious buildings and structures completed in 1755 Palaces in Portugal Royal residences in Portugal Basilica churches in Portugal Neoclassical architecture in Portugal Neoclassical palaces Baroque architecture in Portugal Baroque palaces Palaces in Lisbon District Museums in Lisbon District Historic house museums in Portugal Churches in Lisbon District World Heritage Sites in Portugal National monuments in Lisbon District 7 Most Endangered Programme